Oops ... I found myself enjoying my weekend a little too much. Do you ever to that? Do you wonder what you can do to repair the damage of your overindulgence? It's easier than you think.

Last night when I went to bed I was feeling a bit ... well ... stuffed ... though I walked all day long at a museum with my daughters and grandson, and I ate well for breakfast and lunch my "oops" day began with eating a bag of movie theater popcorn. OK, I had water with it, but nonetheless a full large bag, minus the teeny bit my daughter ate wasn't the smartest idea.

Though I had a water with me, I had no place to get ice, so I didn't drink as much as I usually do. After dinner I was all set thinking I hadn't done too badly all day. The popcorn, though riddled with yukky fats, flavors, and too much salt, did offer some fiber so I wasn't going to beat myself up over that! Plus when we returned to my daughter's house I spent a couple of hours in the pool swimming laps, treading water, and playing. After dinner fresh strawberries and homemade whipping cream were offered which were wonderful and I enjoyed a serving size. Then my grandson brought out something near and dear to me ... chocolate ... and not the 'good for your heart dark chocolate ... but milk chocolate! Before long I had overindulged and felt sluggish when I went to bed. But all was not lost!

I recalled reading somewhere that one way to kick start a day of better choices should begin with water. So, this morning, I got up and downed a big glass of water and am back on track. So if you find yourself overindulging ... don't despair ... grab a hold of the new day with a vengeance and you'll be fine! A blog I wrote not too long ago reminded me that I am not perfect and when I reread it, I knew I was going to be all right. Read it here.

When you enjoy life a bit too much ... flush out the toxins of your choices with some water and keep it up! Water has some amazing benefits. Oh, want proof?

Maybe if water was more expensive, people would pay more attention to consume enough of it on a daily basis. We are living in a dehydrated world of carbonated beverages, caffeine and alcohol. Read more about this on the Ririan Project site.

_Got the munchies? Wow, do I know how you feel! Or are you thirsty? My research tells me the feeling is the same ... a rather dull ache in your stomach you immediately want to satisfy with food. Of course we all know what happens, don't we? First something sweet/soft, then salty/crunchy until you're so stuffed you don't even feel like moving. Well, my friend, consider this ... have a glass of water first and I’ll bet your hunger pangs will disappear ... for a while.

If you’re like me, it’s easier, well at least more satisfying, to grab a bag of chips than a glass of water - and a lot more fun, too - but the results are wonderful if you manage to make the right choice.

I came across a website blog recently that summed it up well and the bottom line is you might just be thirsty, not hungry. Another site I happened upon offered a tip that the best way to reduce your weight is to recognize the difference between hunger and thirst. Oddly, the feeling is the same so what is a person to do?? DRINK WATER FIRST!

So, here I am ... hungry ... well, thirsty? Some healthy snacks fill my refrigerator - hummus with baked pita chips ... yogurt with some fresh blueberries ... soy-based chocolate brownie ice cream ... homemade lemon meringue pie ... oh, and there are so many more. So easy to reach for something sweet ... then salty ... mushy ... then crunchy ... oh, what to do!! I opted for my purple 24 ounce plastic cup, filled it 3/4 full of big chunks of ice and topped it off with water. Imagine my surprise when I downed it in just a minute or so and wanted more! What is this new feeling? Satisfied without playing the sweet/salty and mushy/crunchy game? Plus, I felt good about ME ... I did it ... I recognized thirst. How refreshing.

So while we’re at it, there will be times you are actually hungry. I’m going to try to drink first before I eat anything and see what happens. I wouldn’t mind losing a couple pounds so aside from the few snack items I mentioned above, if you’re ever looking to improve your snacking, allow me to make a couple of suggestions. Note there are no amounts provided. There are literally hundreds of sites available to offer you some good and healthy snacks. I’m going to limit this list to those that can actually help keep your cholesterol under control or reduce it.

Here goes ... • Fruits and vegetables are great, but watch (or eliminate) your dips and dressings - I love fresh blueberries, baby carrots, blanched and cold asparagus ... oh, the list goes on and on and on ... • Nuts and seeds, particularly pistachios, walnuts, and almonds - watch your quantities ... best to measure out a serving and put the bag away! • Hummus and baked pita chips are wonderful together • Whole grains - particularly oats - try some low fat cereals and watch your sugar and serving size • Avocados offer a great unsaturated fat that can increase your levels of HDL. Add a squirt of fresh lime and a dash of sea salt and enjoy. • 100% cranberry-grape juice - great antioxidants - again watch your serving size • Yogurt with live active cultures (probiotics) - watch the sugar content - best to buy plain an add your own fruit. Soy yogurts are much improved if you’re lactose intolerant, but be forewarned, some soy yogurts have used a dairy starter so be careful.

You might consider a “clean out the pantry/cabinet” day ... rid your personal space of all the inappropriate junk food and give yourself a chance to succeed!

You won’t regret it, I promise. And, you have a hunger pang and can’t put your hands on that bag of chips you threw out ... grab your favorite glass, add some ice ... and fill it up with water! You weren’t really hungry now were you?

I am ...

... a former blogger for a health site, which means eating healthy aka heart smart
which has become a passion for me. I will start at the beginning when I first
discovered I had high cholesterol.
Blogger's Note: First and foremost, please do not go off any meds if
you are currently taking something for high cholesterol! It is critical
that you follow your doctor’s orders. I am NOT a doctor nor am I
experienced enough to provide you with advice.

This blog is simply my journal of how I lowered my cholesterol.
I am working with a doctor ... but, should you ask him he’d probably
say he worked for me, which is true and should be ... in my opinion.

The things I have changed have worked for me and may work for you, but
as I said, I’m not telling you to stop taking any meds your physician
has prescribed for you, but to talk to him about some options you are
willing to consider.